Bob Faller places his hand next to the wedding ring doctors had to clip from his wife’s finger after she fell on their Republic, Wash., property and suffered dramatic swelling a week earlier on Monday, Sept. 21, 2015, at their home in Republic, Wash.

Jane Faller has her blood drawn by Kenyon Fields for testing on Sept. 18, at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane. During a later Skype session, Jane joked with Bob: “You know that doctor said ‘Maybe Bob shouldn’t see your face.’ ” In separation and crisis, the Fallers’ love is playful. “That’s a pretty handsome guy you’re talking to, huh?” Bob said, sticking out his tongue. Jane laughed and stuck out her tongue

Hospice nurse DiAnne Lundgren places her hand on Bob Faller while he suffers from a headache as she talks to Jane Faller after she returned from the hospital to their Republic, Wash., home. Lundgren told Jane that Bob’s health had declined since the last time she had visited them. “Bob and I just sleep. More medication, more pills,” Jane said about how they spend their days.

Bob Faller places his hand on Jane’s bandage after she returned from the hospital on Sept. 21. “Last week was such a downer,” Bob said about being separated for a week from Jane. “I wish it was for something.” In her always optimistic way, Jane replied. “You never know, Bob.”